Humulus lupulus

Action: Sedative, antispasmodic.

Systems Affected: Nerves, digestive system.

Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried fruit (strobiles) of the female plant, dose 1-2 grams by infusion.

The Hop plant, native to northern temperate zones, is a dioecious vine which climbs up to 6 meters in height. Cultivated in Europe since mediaeval times for the manufacture of beer (to which it lends aroma and flavor plus digestive and sedative qualities), it also has a long history of use as a herbal sedative.

The plant, propagated from cuttings taken in early summer, bears both male and female flowers, the latter developing into cone-like heads of yellow-green scales covered with a resinous yellow dust known as lupulin. These cones (or strobiles) are collected before maturity in late summer to mid-autumn and dried with a gentle heat, ready for medicinal use or brewing.

Hops are employed alone or in combination with other herbs for insomnia and anxiety or restlessness. They are specific for restlessness associated with tension headache and/or nervous indigestion. They are often combined with Valerian for insomnia and with Chamomile for nervous indigestion.

Hops have some tendency to relieve pain and are of benefit in nervous spasms, neuralgia, priapism, period pain and mucous colitis.

Three cupfuls of the infusion per day, taken before meals, acts as a general tonic for convalescents. One cupful taken after meals is of benefit in slow and difficult digestion.

Externally Hops have an antibacterial action and are applied to poorly-healing wounds or ulcers.

In parts of Britain a pillow filled with Hops was a traditional remedy for sleeplessness.

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